CVE-2007-0745 in Mac OS X Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Apple Security Update 2007-004 uses an incorrect configuration file for FTPServer in Apple Mac OS X Server 10.4.9, which might allow remote authenticated users to access additional directories.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0745 represents a critical configuration flaw in Apple Mac OS X Server 10.4.9's FTPServer implementation within the Security Update 2007-004. This issue stems from an improper handling of configuration files that govern FTP server access controls, creating an unintended privilege escalation path for authenticated remote attackers. The flaw manifests when the FTPServer component fails to properly validate or utilize the correct configuration file, leading to potential directory traversal and unauthorized access to system resources beyond the intended scope.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper file handling mechanism within the Apple Mac OS X Server's FTP implementation. When the system processes FTP server configuration, it references a malformed or incorrect configuration file that does not properly enforce directory access restrictions. This misconfiguration allows authenticated users to exploit the FTP service and gain access to directories that should remain restricted, effectively bypassing the normal access control mechanisms that protect system integrity and data confidentiality. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the server-side configuration management process, making it particularly dangerous for systems that rely on FTP services for file transfers.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security implications for organizations utilizing Apple Mac OS X Server 10.4.9 environments. Remote authenticated attackers who can establish FTP connections to the affected system can potentially access sensitive directories containing system files, user data, or administrative resources. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration, system compromise, and escalation of privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core server functionality and can be exploited by attackers who have legitimate FTP authentication credentials, making detection more challenging. This flaw directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to cascading security issues when combined with other vulnerabilities in the system.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-22 - Improper Limiting of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which specifically addresses path traversal and directory access control issues. Additionally, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate authenticated access to escalate privileges within the system. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the official Apple security patches, reviewing and hardening FTP server configurations, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to critical server resources. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of FTP service configurations and monitor for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that configuration files are properly validated and that access controls are correctly enforced, as improper patch application could potentially introduce additional vulnerabilities or service disruptions.